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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was Frank supposedly doing when he died?

2. Where does Wesley decide to keep Frank?

3. What does David say is a result of keeping secrets?

4. What question does Len ask Wesley for which Wesley doesn’t know the answer?

5. What does Wesley say when Julian demands to see Frank?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Frank ask Wesley about before they go to the basement?

2. What changes David's view about the aftermath of Frank's suicide?

3. What does David say about his father's work load?

4. Why does David decline to visit Brentrock later in his life?

5. What is the story circulating about Frank's death?

6. What does Wesley tell David to do if there is any trouble?

7. What does Wesley do after coming out of the basement and talking to Frank?

8. What happens to Wesley?

9. What does David say about the symbolism of the open grave?

10. Why does David think his father has been crying?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character.

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is that is serves as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Montana 1948 help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Montana 1948? Use examples from Montana 1948 and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in Montana 1948. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Watson chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Watson chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Watson's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Watson use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in Montana 1948. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of justice in Montana 1948. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters encourage justice? Which characters ignore justice? How is justice finally resolved?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of prejudice in Montana 1948. Who is prejudice? How is that prejudice shown? What symbols does Watson use to represent prejudice? How is prejudice shown in a subtle way? Overtly?

(see the answer keys)

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